How To Include Prebiotics In Your Children’s Diet
Including Prebiotics In Your Children’s Food: Examples
Your child’s immune system is still developing and as he grows up, his immune system will continue to grow stronger and more complex. But until their immune system is mature, children tend to be susceptible to bacteria and viruses. That’s why it’s important to provide your child with the right nutrition to support this unique period of immune system development to help him fight infections.
Roles of Prebiotics in Gut
Technically speaking, prebiotics are non-digestible dietary carbohydrates that are able to encourage the growth of beneficial bacteria. Nutritionally, prebiotics also help increase the absorption of minerals such as calcium and magnesium contributing to healthy bone development 1-2. In addition, prebiotics feed bacteria in the gut that is responsible for making essential vitamins e.g. Vitamin B that is required for metabolism.
How To Include Prebiotics in Your Children’s Diet
Prebiotics can be found in foods like bananas, onions, tomatoes and surprisingly garlic. Some growing up formulas too are enriched with prebiotics that can help support a child’s immune system to fight infections. Ask your doctor for information about formulas that contain prebiotics.
References
Abrams, S., Griffin, I., Hawthorne, K., Liang, L., Gunn, S., Darlington, G., & Ellis, K. (2005). A combination of prebiotic short- and long-chain inulin-type fructans enhances calcium absorption and bone mineralization in young adolescents. The American Journal Of Clinical Nutrition, 82 (2), 471-476. https://doi.org/10.1093/ajcn/82.2.471
Brownawell et al. Prebiotics and the Health Benefits of Fiber: Current Regulatory Status, Future Research, and Goals. J Nutr. 2012 May;142(5):962-74 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22457389
Effects of Probiotics, Prebiotics, and Synbiotics on Human Health. (2017). Nutrients, 9(9), 1021. doi: 10.3390/nu9091021
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